For Immediate Release
ST. GEORGE, UT — July 31, 2026 — What is stem cell therapy and how does it work? Dr. Daren Brooks, D.O.
In a typical procedure, stem cells are harvested from the patient (autologous) or from a donor source such as umbilical cord tissue (allogeneic), concentrated in a lab or point-of-care device, and then injected or infused into the target area — a joint, the spine, or intravenously for systemic effect. Once introduced, the theory is that stem cells: Travel to areas of injury or inflammation, guided by chemical signals released by damaged tissue Release growth factors and signaling molecules that may reduce local inflammation Support the recruitment and activity of the body's own repair cells In some laboratory and animal models, differentiate into replacement tissue cells Human clinical evidence for that last mechanism — actual differentiation into new, functional tissue after injection — remains limited for most orthopedic and pain applications.
Not all "stem cell therapy" is the same. The source and preparation method matter a great deal: Bone marrow-derived (BM-MSCs): Harvested from the patient's own hip bone, concentrated, and re-injected.
This is the single most important section of this article, because it's where most marketing misleads patients. The FDA has approved certain stem cell-based products — but almost exclusively hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells derived from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood, used to treat specific blood and immune system disorders like certain leukemias and lymphomas.
Patients and clinics discuss stem cell and related regenerative approaches for a wide range of conditions, including: Knee, hip, and shoulder osteoarthritis Degenerative disc disease and chronic back pain Tendon and ligament injuries (rotator cuff, Achilles, ACL) Post-surgical recovery and slow-healing wounds Chronic pain conditions with an inflammatory component Emerging research, particularly in orthopedic applications like knee osteoarthritis, suggests some patients report reduced pain and improved function following certain stem cell or PRP protocols — but study quality varies widely, placebo response in injection studies is notoriously high, and long-term data is still limited. Reputable researchers describe the evidence as "promising but not yet definitive," which is a very different message than "proven cure" — a phrase you should never trust from any provider.
“Recovery is possible with the right, evidence-based support — that is the work we do every day at The Bridge.” — Dr. Daren Brooks, D.O., Founder & CEO, The Bridge Health Recovery Center
Read the full guide: What Is Stem Cell Therapy and How Does It Work? A Physician's Plain-English Guide.
Author: Dr. Daren Brooks, D.O., Founder & CEO, The Bridge Health Recovery Center